Effect of endotoxin and silver ion on the clotting time of blood

Endotoxin (Lipopolysaccharide, LPS) is a part of the outer membrane of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria. LPS induces activation of the coagulation cascade in humans. This procoagulant effect on citrated whole blood produces a shortened clotting time. Silver ion (Ag/sup +/) denatures the anticoagulant proteins and affects the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation by producing a shortened clotting time. This in vitro study was performed by mixing human citrated whole blood (CWB) with LPS, silver nitrate (AgNO/sub 3/), and the combination of the two. The clotting time, rate of clot formation, and the maximum strength of the clot were determined. The results show that the combination of LPS and Ag/sup +/ significantly reduces the clotting time (p<.002).